In a significant stride towards empowering local farmers and elevating the state's cocoa industry, Kerala is set to launch its first-ever farmer producer company dedicated exclusively to cocoa cultivation and processing. The Brown Gold Cocoa Producer Company (BGCPC), headquartered in Manimala, a village in Kottayam district renowned for its rich cocoa heritage, aims to revolutionize the sector by fostering organized cultivation, quality enhancement, and value addition.

The initiative is a direct response to the burgeoning demand for cocoa and the need to streamline the supply chain, ensuring fair returns for farmers. Manimala, a hub of cocoa cultivation for nearly five decades, has witnessed a surge in interest, particularly following the successful export of cocoa beans to the US during the Covid-19 pandemic through a local cooperative society. This society's transformation into a farmer producer company marks a pivotal moment for the region.

The initiative is backed by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kayamkulam and receives funding from NABARD, underscoring its potential to drive sustainable agricultural development. The company plans to enroll 150 farmers as shareholders in its first year, with a target of 750 shareholders within five years, fostering a strong community-driven approach.

"Globally, there is a tremendous demand for cocoa, but what we lack is the production of consistently high-quality cocoa beans," stated K.J. Varghese, chairperson of BGCPC. "Our aim is to bridge this gap by providing farmers with the necessary support to enhance quality and streamline export processes."

BGCPC's ambitious plan includes leasing land both within Kerala and in other states, such as Meghalaya, to expand cocoa cultivation. Farmers will benefit from subsidies, technical assistance, and expert guidance in cultivation and processing techniques, ensuring adherence to best practices. The company's vision extends beyond raw bean production, encompassing the development of a local chocolate industry to maximize value addition. By processing raw beans into high-value products like cocoa powder and butter, BGCPC aims to capture a larger share of the market and boost farmers' income.

Manimala's longstanding association with cocoa cultivation, coupled with the establishment of a cooperative society a decade ago, which even developed its own chocolate brand, provides a solid foundation for BGCPC's success. The new company is poised to address critical challenges faced by farmers, including exploitation by middlemen, inconsistent procurement practices, and quality concerns.

With an average income of Rs. 2,000 per cocoa tree, and a growing area of cultivation reaching 18,233 hectares in 2022-23, the potential for growth is substantial. BGCPC's integrated approach, encompassing cultivation, processing, and marketing, promises to unlock the full potential of Kerala's cocoa industry, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers and contributing to the state's economic prosperity.